There is too much physical abuse of women (wives)
being reported. Even one case would be too many but I was motivated to write
when I read a statement in an article by Cary Clack in the SA Express News. The
statement: "Yet sometimes it's not the body but the mind and psyche that
are abused."

In my 50+ years of preaching I have observed
this to be true, of all places, among my preaching brethren and, of course,
among the brethren themselves.. Among the preachers there is sometimes an
attitude of arrogance, perhaps because of a high attainment of education or
perhaps a feeling of importance because of his position. And, sadly, some of
the wives of such men have bowed to this arrogant attitude. Sometimes, the
preacher's wife is just a bearer of his children, or a housekeeper, and he
leaves her to tend the children and clean the house while he excuses himself
from such mundane chores by having morning coffee with his close cronies or
attending morning meetings or playing politics by visiting with the more
prominent members of the congregation. He also ignores her in social gatherings
as he mingles and jokes, sometimes even using her dowdiness or her lack of
education as the butt of his jocular encounters. And then on Sunday, preaches a
sermon on Ephesians 5 always emphasizing man's dominance over the woman and
ignoring the simple statement of inspiration, "Husbands, love your wives,
even as Christ also loved the Church, and gave himself for it."

Then the more accomplished, better educated wives
of the preachers, whose delight, it seems, is to publicly criticize their
husbands for any little trivial mistake he might make. She has no intention of
giving constructive criticism. He starts to tell a tale or a joke and she takes
over; perhaps explaining what he means or interrupts the tale with one of her
own. She is critical of his delivery, his clothing, his lack of higher
education, etc., forgetting that she is to be his "help meet." One
who is worthy to be a part of him, his helper, his friend.

And both have forgotten the admonition to
"submit yourselves one to the other." Have concern and respect for
one another. Without the aid of a loving and tender woman I don't see how any
man could ever expect to be the kind of man a gospel preacher is supposed to
be. And without the tender care and concern of a devoted man, I don't see how
any woman can love and respect the man she has promised to love and honor as
her husband.

The above remarks also include all saints and
sinners alike. God honors the husband and wife relationship and give it
instruction on how it must be. Be sure to honor Him by listening to what he
says.